Exercise system

ABSTRACT

An example exercise system includes an exercise apparatus having a processor and a movable element and a device coupled to the exercise apparatus and to a communication network. The device is configured to receive an exercise program and to output the exercise program to the exercise apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/150,012,filed May 20, 2002, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/541,986, filed Apr. 3, 2000, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 09/317,980, filed May 25, 1999, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/869,166, filed Jun. 4, 1997, which is adivisional of application Ser. No. 08/493,541, filed Jun. 22, 1995, theentire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference inthis application.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to an exercise apparatus and,more particularly, to an exercise apparatus which transmits data to andreceives data from a remote location.

2. Description of Related Art

Many exercisers currently utilize one or more exercise devices in theirtraining routines. These exercise devices include, for example, weightmachines, stair climbers, rowing machines, treadmills, and stationarybicycles. Some of these devices are controllable by microcomputers inaccordance with exerciser-selected programs which set and/or vary theexercise level during program execution. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate astationary bicycle 5 which provides automatically-varying exerciselevels as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,105 to Sweeney, Jr. Thecontrol system for the stationary bicycle includes a microcomputer 10which communicates electronically with a keyboard 12, a read-only memory14, and a display 16. The read-only memory 14 stores the operatingprogram for microcomputer 10 and a plurality of pre-stored exerciseprograms which are selectable by an exerciser. Movement of pedals 20rotates a sprocket 22, which causes a chain 24 to drive a small diametersprocket 26 attached to a flywheel 28. The variable load which anexerciser must overcome in order to rotate sprocket 22 is generated byan alternator 30, which provides a variable resistance to the effort ofthe exerciser through its driving connection with flywheel 28 by a gearbelt 32. Microcomputer 10 controls the loading circuit of alternator 30.The output of microcomputer 10 on line 34 is a pulse width modulatedsignal, the width of which is proportional to the effort required by theexerciser. The changes in pulse width vary the field current in thealternator to cause variations in the resistance of the alternator tothe force exerted by the operator. An exerciser using the stationarybicycle may select a pre-stored exercise program from read-only memory14 for execution by microcomputer 10 to automatically vary the exercisedifficulty level by generating pulses whose width is a function of theeffort required by the exerciser. Using keyboard 12, an exerciser isalso able to select a difficulty level and an exercise time.

From workout to workout, an exerciser will often select differentexercise programs and set different difficulty levels and/or exercisetimes in order, for example, to achieve particular fitness goals and/orto avoid injury. Thus, for example, an exerciser may select an exerciseprogram, difficulty level, and exercise time which define a relativelyeasy workout on a day following a hard workout. In addition, afterseveral months of a training routine, an exerciser will likely find thathe or she is able to use an exercise device at higher difficulty levelsand/or for longer exercise times. Thus, an exerciser will likely findthat he or she is capable of pedaling a stationary bicycle in accordancewith selected exercise programs for a longer exercise time at a higherdifficulty level than at the beginning of the training routine.Similarly, an exerciser using a weight machine will likely find that heor she will be able to perform more repetitions using more weight (orresistance) after several months of a training program.

However, the memories of exercise apparatus of the type described aboveare typically programmed by the manufacturer and cannot be changed bydealers or consumers. Thus, such exercise apparatus generally provideonly a limited number of exercise programs from which an exerciser mayselect. While a manufacturer could provide a greater number ofpre-stored exercise programs, this would require an increase in the sizeof read-only memory 14, thereby increasing costs. And even if a largermemory were provided for storing more programs, the memory contentswould still not be changeable by dealers and/or consumers and themanufacturer would still not be ensured that the exercise programssatisfy the requirements of all exercisers, particularly exercisershaving specific exercise needs or goals. The fixed memory contents mayalso lead to boredom on the part of the exerciser who must repeatedlychoose an exercise program from the same selection of exercise programs.This boredom may cause the exerciser to reduce, or even stop, using theexercise apparatus.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exerciseapparatus includes an exercise device, a memory including a first memoryportion, and a receiver for receiving exercise programs transmitted overa first communication link. A control unit supplies received exerciseprograms to the first memory portion for storage in the first memoryportion as first exercise programs and selectively controls the exercisedevice in accordance with the first exercise programs.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofoperating an exercise apparatus including an exercise device and amemory with a first memory portion includes the steps of receivingexercise programs transmitted over a first communication link, supplyingreceived exercise programs to the first memory portion for storage inthe first memory portion as first exercise programs, and selectivelycontrolling the exercise device in accordance with the first exerciseprograms.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a centraloffice for an exercise system includes generating circuitry forgenerating an exercise program for controlling an exercise device and atransmitter for transmitting the exercise program over a communicationlink.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a methodof providing exercise programs for controlling an exercise deviceincludes the steps of generating an exercise program for controlling anexercise device and transmitting the exercise program over acommunication link.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, anexercise system includes a central office having generating circuitryfor generating an exercise program for controlling an exercise deviceand a transmitter for transmitting the exercise program over acommunication link. The exercise system further includes at least oneexercise apparatus including an exercise device, a memory including afirst memory portion, and a receiver for receiving exercise programstransmitted over the communication link. The exercise apparatus furtherincludes a control unit for supplying the received exercise programs tothe first memory portion for storage in the first memory portion asfirst exercise programs and for selectively controlling the exercisedevice in accordance with the first exercise programs.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method ofoperating an exercise device including a memory having a first memoryportion includes the steps of generating an exercise program forcontrolling an exercise device, transmitting the exercise program over acommunication link, receiving exercise programs transmitted over thecommunication link, supplying received exercise programs to the firstmemory portion for storage in the first memory portion as first exerciseprograms, and selectively controlling the exercise device in accordancewith the first exercise programs.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the memory of anexercise apparatus may be downloaded with exercise programs from aremote location. As new exercise programs are developed for exerciseapparatus, these programs may be easily supplied to apparatus already“in the field.” In addition, exercise apparatus may be provided with thecapability of uploading data to a central office to permit monitoring ofthe use of an exercise apparatus and of the selection of exerciseprograms. The present invention provides the further ability totransmitting text data including messages, news headlines, sportsscores, stock market prices, weather reports, advertisements, and thelike for display at the exercise apparatus to provide a mental activityduring exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art stationary bicycle 5.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the electronic control system ofstationary bicycle 5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise system in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is diagram illustrating the arrangement of memory 120 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a stationary bicycle 200 which maybe utilized in the exercise system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing the electronic control system ofstationary bicycle 200 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a graphical profile of exercise level versus time for anexercise program which may be utilized by microcomputer 202 of FIG. 6 toautomatically control the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200.

FIG. 8 is a table depicting an organization of exercise programs storedon portable memory module 103.

FIG. 9 illustrates display 208 and keypad 210 shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exercise system 100 in accordance withthe present invention. Exercise system 100 includes a central office 102and one or more exercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n which are remotelylocated with respect to central office 102. For example, exerciseapparatus 104-1 to 104-n may be located in homes of exercisers andcentral office 102 may be located at a health club office, a personaltrainer's office, or a physician's office. Alternatively, exerciseapparatus 104-1 to 104-n may be located in a health club and centraloffice 102 may be located in an office of the health club. Of course,the exercise apparatus and the central office may be otherwise locatedand the present invention is not limited in this respect. Data iscommunicated between central office 102 and exercise apparatus 104-1 to104-n over a communication link 106. For example, data includingsoftware such as exercise programs, and text data such as newsheadlines, sports scores, stock market prices, weather reports,messages, advertisements, and the like may be transmitted from centraloffice 102 to exercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n over communication link106. Also, data may be transmitted from the respective exerciseapparatus to central office 102 over communication link 106. This datamay, for example, be data indicating the number of times the respectiveexercise apparatus has been used or data indicating which exerciseprograms have been selected. The above examples of data which iscommunicated between central office 102 and exercise apparatus 104-1 to104-n are provided for illustrative purposes only and other types ofdata may be communicated within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

Communication link 106 may, for example, be an infrared link, a radiofrequency (RF) link, a coaxial cable, a telephone network, a satellitesystem, or an optical fiber. Although the embodiment of FIG. 3 showsonly a single communication link, it will be apparent that a firstcommunication link may be provided for data transmissions from centraloffice 102 to exercise apparatus 104 and a second, differentcommunication link may be provided for data transmissions from theexercise apparatus 104 to central office 102. In addition, data may betransmitted to the exercise apparatus from a first central office anddata may be transmitted from the exercise apparatus to a second,different central office.

A processor 110 controls the overall operation of central office 102. Atransmitter 112 transmits data over communication link 106 to theexercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n. A receiver 114 receives datatransmitted over communication link 106 from the exercise apparatus. Adisplay device 116 such as a monitor displays information to a systemoperator and an input device 118 such as a keyboard permits the systemoperator to input information. Other output devices (not shown) such asa printer, speakers, etc, and other input devices (not shown) such as amouse may also be provided. A memory 120 which may include both readonly memory (ROM) and a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) storesan overall operating program for central office 102 as well as data tobe described below with reference to FIG. 4. One or more external datasources 122 remotely located relative to central office 102 transmitdata to central office 102 over a communication link 107. The data fromthe external data sources may then be forwarded to the exerciseapparatus 104-1 to 104-n over communication link 106. For example, theseexternal data sources may transmit exercise programs and/or text datasuch as news headlines, sports scores, stock market prices, weatherreports, advertisements, etc. to central office 102. Processor 110 thensupplies this data to memory 120 for storage and reads the data out at alater time for transmission by transmitter 112 to exercise apparatus104-1 to 104-n. Central office 102 may also transmit data to theexternal data sources over communication link 107. Like communicationlink 106, communication link 107 may, for example, be an infrared link,an RF link, a coaxial cable, a telephone network, a satellite system, oran optical fiber.

Exercise apparatus 104-1 includes a receiver 152 for receiving datatransmitted by central office 102 over communications link 106 and atransmitter 154 for transmitting data to central office 102 overcommunications link 106. A processor 156 controls the overall operationof the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus also includes anexercise device 158 which may be, for example, a stationary bicycle,stair climber, treadmill, rowing machine, or weight machine. A display160 displays information to an exerciser. A memory 162 which may includea read-only memory and a non-volatile memory stores data for theoperation of exercise apparatus 104-1. Data such as exercise programsand text items which is received by receiver 152 is supplied to memory162 by processor 156. An input device 163 such as a keypad receivesinput from an exerciser. A port 164 may optionally be provided toconnect the exercise apparatus to an external device such as atelevision or speakers. Exercise apparatus 104-2 to 104-n may besimilarly configured.

With reference to FIG. 4, memory 120 of central office 102 includes afirst memory portion 130 for storing an operating program for centraloffice 102, a second memory portion 132 for storing exercise programs, athird memory portion 134 for storing system information, and a fourthmemory portion 136 for storing text data. Memory 120 may be, forexample, a magnetic disk drive, a battery backed-up non-volatile randomaccess memory (NVRAM), or a PCMCIA EEPROM memory card. The informationin the memory portions may be generated by the system operator orsupplied from one or more of external data sources 122.

Second memory portion 132 stores at least one exercise program which isexecutable by one or more of the exercise apparatus 104. It will beappreciated that second memory portion 132 may store a variety ofexercise programs suitable for use by different types and models ofexercise apparatus. For example, one exercise program may be executableby a stationary bicycle of a first manufacturer to vary exercise levelas a function of time while another exercise program may be executableby a stair climber of a second manufacturer to vary exercise level as afunction of time. Accordingly each exercise program will preferably haveassociated therewith identification data for identifying the type andmodel of exercise apparatus for which the program is suitable. Theexercise programs may be developed by the system operator or may betransmitted from one or more of the external data sources.

Third memory portion 134 stores system information. For example, each ofthe exercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n may have associated therewith aunique apparatus identifier or address for identifying the exerciseapparatus. The system information stored in third memory portion 134 maythus be organized in accordance with these apparatus identifiers. Thirdmemory portion 134 may also store additional information regarding eachexercise apparatus, for example, identification information identifyingthe type and model of exercise apparatus (stationary bicycle, stairclimber, etc.) and program information listing the exercise programscurrently stored in memory 162 of the exercise apparatus. Third memoryportion 134 may also store the name, address, and telephone number ofthe owner of the exercise apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, thirdmemory portion may store a name, address, and telephone numberassociated with the location of the exercise apparatus. If the exerciseapparatus is linked to the central office over a telephone network,third memory portion 134 may also store the telephone number forestablishing a telephone communication link between the central officeand the exercise apparatus. Typically, the above-described data would beentered by the system operator, although the present invention is notlimited in this respect.

Fourth memory portion 136 stores text data such as messages, newsheadlines, sports scores, stock market prices, weather reports,advertisements, and the like. This text data may be generated by thesystem operator and/or may be transmitted to central office 102 from oneor more of external data sources 122.

The above-described functions of central office 102 may be implementedby a computer such as an IBM®.-compatible personal computer. Thepersonal computer may include appropriate software for generatingexercise programs which are executable by a microcomputer of theexercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n and which, for example, specify theexercise level as a function of time. A program title, description, etc.may then be associated with each program as will be discussed below. Theprograms and associated information may then be stored on a hard-diskdrive which serves as memory 120. The personal computer may be equippedwith a modem and appropriate communications software for transmittingand receiving data including the above-described exercise programs andtext data over a telephone line which serves as communication link 106.The modem and communications software may also be utilized to transmitand receive data from the external data sources 122 over communicationlink 107.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stationary bicycle 200 which may be utilizedas one of exercise apparatus 104 in accordance with the exercise systemof the present invention. Elements of stationary bicycle 200 which arethe same as those of stationary bicycle 5 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 aredesignated with the same reference numbers and descriptions thereof areomitted. Although reference is made to a stationary bicycle, theteachings of the present invention are applicable to exercise systemswhich include any exercise apparatus having an exercise devicecontrollable by a microcomputer in accordance with a program, includingby way of example, but not by way of limitation, stationary bicycles,stair climbers, rowing machines, treadmills, and weight machines.

The control system of stationary bicycle 200 includes a microcomputer202 for controlling the operation of stationary bicycle 200, a read-onlymemory (ROM) 204, a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) 206 (e.g.,a battery backed-up random access memory), a display 208, a keypad 210,a speaker 212, a transmitter 214, and a receiver 216. An optional outputport 218 may be provided to connect the exercise apparatus to one ormore output devices 220 such a television or speakers.

ROM 204 stores an operating program of microcomputer 202 and may alsocontain various pre-stored exerciser-selectable programs for controllingstationary bicycle 200. Microcomputer 202 generates control signalssupplied over line 34 for controlling the exercise level of stationarybicycle 200 in accordance with an exercise program selected either fromROM 204 or NVRAM 206. Display 208 includes, for example, light emittingdiodes (LEDs) and/or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and is responsive tosignals from microcomputer 202 for displaying various information to theexerciser including, but not limited to, the exercise time, the exerciselevel, number of calories burned, and the like as is known in the art.Keypad 210 includes exerciser-operable keys for inputting various dataas will be discussed below. Speaker 212 is responsive to microcomputer202 for providing audible sounds to the exerciser to indicate, forexample, the end of an exercise program or an incorrect selection orentry via keypad 210. Transmitter 214 transmits data to central office102 over communication link 106 and receiver 216 receives datatransmitted from central office 102 over communication link 106. Ifcommunication link 106 is a telephone network, for example, transmitter214 and receiver 216 may be implemented by a modem which is coupled to atelephone line.

An exercise program is executable by microcomputer 202 for automaticallycontrolling stationary bicycle 200. FIG. 7 is a graphical profile ofexercise level versus time for an illustrative, but non-limiting,exercise program which may be utilized by microcomputer 202 toautomatically control the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200. Asillustrated in the profile of FIG. 7, from exercise time t₀ untilexercise time t₇, microcomputer 202 generates control signals forsetting the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to exercise levelE1; from exercise time t₇ until exercise time t₁₉, microcomputer 202generates control signals for setting the exercise level of stationarybicycle 200 to exercise level E2; from exercise time t₁₉ until exercisetime t₂₆, microcomputer 202 generates control signals for setting theexercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to exercise level E3; fromexercise time t₂₆ until exercise time t₃₈, microcomputer 202 generatescontrol signals for setting the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200to exercise level E2; and from exercise time t₃₈ until exercise time t₄₈(the end of the program), microcomputer 202 generates control signalsfor setting the exercise level of stationary bicycle 200 to exerciselevel E1. When a program having the profile of FIG. 7 is selected, anexerciser may select an exercise time over which microcomputer 202 willcontrol stationary bicycle 200. The selection of an exercise timedetermines the time interval between the exercise times. For example,when an exercise program having the profile of FIG. 7 is selected, anexerciser may choose an exercise time of four, eight, twelve, sixteen,or twenty minutes. Depending on which total exercise time is selected,the time interval between the exercise times is five, ten, fifteen,twenty, or twenty-five seconds, respectively. An exerciser may alsoselect a difficulty level which determines the difficulty of theexercise at the exercise levels of the program. The difficulty ofexercise levels E1, E2, and E3 is generally less at low difficultylevels than at high difficulty levels. Thus, as the fitness level of anexerciser increases, higher difficulty levels may be utilized.

Of course, the exercise program of FIG. 7 is for illustrative purposes,and the present invention is not limited in this respect. Thus, anexercise program may also be of a type which provides interactivity viaa visual display such as a television screen. For example, the executionof such a program may cause microcomputer 202 to monitor the activitylevel of the exerciser (e.g., how fast the exerciser is pedaling) viathe SENSOR line shown in FIG. 6 and to output data to an output device218 such as a television to thereby simulate a competition between theexerciser and a computer-generated opponent or opponents. For example,an exercise program for a stationary bicycle may generate a bicycle racebetween the exerciser and a computer-generated opponent. The “ability”of the opponent and the duration of the race may be set in accordancewith the fitness level of the exerciser.

FIG. 8 is a table depicting an organization of exercise programs storedin NVRAM 206. Exercise program 1 is stored at memory location 1, definedfor example, by a memory address. If desired, a program name anddescription may be associated with exercise program 1. Exercise programs2, 3, . . . , n are stored at memory locations 2, 3, . . . , n asindicated. The operating program of microcomputer 202 stored in ROM 204is configured to permit microcomputer 202 to access these exerciseprograms and to permit an exerciser to select an exercise program whichis stored in memory 206. Of course, the exercise programs may beorganized in various ways in memory 206 and the invention is not limitedin this respect. In addition, as noted above, one or more exerciseprograms may be stored in a portion of ROM 204, if desired, using amemory organization similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8. If exerciseprograms are stored in a portion of ROM 204, the operating program isconfigured to permit an exerciser to select an exercise program which isstored in either ROM 204 or memory 206.

FIG. 9 illustrates display 208 and keypad 210 arranged on a display andkeypad panel. Display 208 includes various display portions 301-306.During program selection, display portion 301, exercise time indicator311, and difficulty level indicator 312 prompt an exerciser to enter anexercise time and difficulty level for an exercise program. Duringexercise, display portion 301 displays an elapsed exercise time whiledisplay portion 302 alternately displays the current difficulty level ofthe exercise program and the number of calories burned. Exercise timeindicator 311, difficulty level indicator 312, a calories burnedindicator 313 are LEDs, for example, which are appropriately illuminatedto indicate which quantity should be entered by the exerciser duringprogram selection and/or which quantity is being displayed during theexercise time. Exercise level display portion 303 displays a graphicalprofile of exercise level versus time for the exercise program such asis shown, for example, in FIG. 7. Display portion 304 is a line displayincluding one or more lines 380 which may display graphical and textinformation such as program names and descriptions, operatinginstructions, and text data items to an exerciser. Display portion 305provides a display relating to how fast an exerciser should be pedalingstationary bicycle 200 at a current exercise level and display portion306 provides a display of how fast an exerciser is actually pedaling.Displays of other information may also be provided, if desired. It willbe appreciated that the displays of stationary bicycles and otherexercise apparatus may be varied in accordance with the informationwhich it is desired to display and the present invention is not limitedin this respect. Keypad 325 includes a numeric keyboard portion 330having numeric keys. 0-9; a START key 332; an ENTER key 334; a NEXT key336; a PREV (previous) key 338; and a CLEAR/STOP key 340.

The transmitting of exercise programs and text data from central office102 to exercise apparatus 104-1 to 104-n will now be described. Thesystem operator may select one or more exercise programs from secondmemory portion 132 and/or text data from fourth memory portion 136 fortransmission to one of exercise apparatus or to a group of exerciseapparatus. For example, the system operator may transmit exerciseprograms and text data to a group of exercise apparatus which are of thesame type and model. Processor 110 supplies the selected exerciseprograms and/or text data from memory 120 to transmitter 112 fortransmission to the exercise apparatus. For example, if communicationlink 106 is a telephone network and transmitter 112 is a modem,processor 110 utilizes appropriate communication software to transmitthe data the next time a telephone link is established between centraloffice 102 and the exercise apparatus. This may occur either when thecentral office dials an appropriate telephone number to connect thecentral office to the exercise apparatus or when the exercise apparatusdials a telephone number of the central office to connect the exerciseapparatus to the central office. When a connection is established, thedata is downloaded from the central office to the exercise apparatus. Atthe time of this connection, data may also be uploaded from the exerciseapparatus to the central office. The telephone connections may beestablished automatically at specified times as controlled by processor110 or microcomputer 202 or may be initiated by the system operator. Theexerciser may prompt an exercise apparatus to establish a telephoneconnection with the central office by pressing a button (not shown)provided on keypad 210. Of course, the telephone link described above isfor illustrative purposes only and other techniques may be utilized forthe purpose of establishing a communication link between the centraloffice and the exercise apparatus. For example, data may be broadcast tothe exercise apparatus via an in-band or out-of-band data channel of aconventional cable television system. Data may be addressed toparticular exercise apparatus in the same manner that data is addressedto particular subscriber terminals. Specifically, the exercise apparatusmay be connected to an exercise apparatus data port of a subscriberterminal in a cable television system. A processor or applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC) of the subscriber terminal suppliesthe exercise program and text data to the exercise apparatus data portand this data is then output to the receiver of the exercise apparatus.The processor of the exercise apparatus supplies the data received bythe receiver to memory 162 of the exercise apparatus. For example, withrespect to the stationary bicycle of FIGS. 5 and 5 and 6, exerciseprograms received by receiver 216 may be supplied to a first memoryportion of NVRAM 206 and text data received by receiver 216 may besupplied to a second memory portion of NVRAM 206.

To select an exercise program, an exerciser actuates START key 332.Microcomputer 202 prompts the exerciser to select an exercise program.Exercise programs are selectable from among the programs stored in NVRAM206 and, if provided, from any programs stored in ROM 204. The exercisermay be prompted to select an exercise program by, for example,displaying the program name and description on line display portion 304and additionally or alternatively displaying a corresponding graphicalprofile of the exercise level versus time on display portion 303. Theexerciser is able to step forward and backward through the availableexercise programs using NEXT key 336 and PREV key 338. For example,using the NEXT key 336 and PREV key 338, an exerciser may causemicrocomputer 202 to step forward and backward through the programs inROM 204 and/or NVRAM 206. To select an exercise program whose programname, program description, and/or profile is displayed, the exerciseractuates ENTER key 334. If appropriate for the selected exerciseprogram, the exerciser is prompted to enter an exercise time anddifficulty level. When these values have been appropriately entered,microcomputer 202 controls stationary bicycle 200 in accordance with theexercise program, exercise time, and difficulty level. Microcomputer 202may also update a third memory portion of NVRAM 206 to indicate a use ofthe exercise apparatus and to indicate which exercise program wasselected. During execution of the program, microcomputer 202 controlsdisplay 208 to display data such as the elapsed exercise time to theexerciser, current difficulty level, RPM-GOAL, RPM-ACTUAL, and the like.Display portion 303 may be appropriately illuminated to indicate anexerciser's progress through the exercise profile. At the end of theexercise program, microcomputer 202 drives speaker 212 to output anaudible sound indicating the end of the program. Program execution maybe stopped prior to the end of the program by pressing CLEAR/STOP key340.

An almost limitless number of exercise programs may be developed inwhich the exercise level of the exercise device is varied over time orin which a simulated competition is generated. By providing anarrangement in which exercise programs may be downloaded into theexercise apparatus, the on-board memory of the exercise apparatus may beprovided with a wide variety of new exercise programs from which anexerciser may select.

In addition to downloading exercise programs, central office 102 mayalso download text data including news headlines, sports scores, stockmarket prices, weather reports, advertisements, and the like. Inaddition, a system operator may generate a text message which may besent to particular exercise apparatus. The text message may, forexample, describe new exercise programs or exercise equipment which isor will be available. This text data may be displayed to the exerciseron line display 304 while the exerciser is exercising in order toprovide a mental activity for the exerciser. Microcomputer 202 may causeline display 304 to display each text data item for a predeterminedperiod of time or up and down arrow keys (not shown) may be provided topermit the exerciser to step through the text data items. These textitems may be periodically downloaded to exercise apparatus 104, forexample, every 24 hours, when one or more exercise programs aredownloaded, or when data is uploaded to the central office. Of course,the text items are not limited to news headlines, sports scores, stockmarket prices, weather reports, and advertisements.

As noted above, although the above description is based on a stationarybicycle, the present invention is generally applicable to any exerciseapparatus controllable in accordance with a program. Such apparatus aremanufactured, for example, by Life Fitness, Nautilus, Schwinn, and thelike. Thus, for example, for a treadmill, control signals may controlthe speed of the tread and/or the inclination of the tread to thehorizontal. For a stair climber, the control signals may control theresistance of the pedals. For a weight machine, the control signals maycontrol the resistance.

Each of the above-referenced patent documents is hereby incorporated byreference into the instant specification.

While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiments ofthe invention, it will be evident to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made thereto without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention which is set forth in the appendedclaims.

1. An exercise system comprising: an exercise apparatus including amovable element, memory storing exercise program information, aninterface, and a first processor; and a device including a secondprocessor and coupled to the exercise apparatus and to a communicationnetwork, the device being configured to receive additional exerciseprogram information contained in an addressed communication communicatedover the communication network from a computer, wherein the interface isconfigured to permit selection of exercise program information frombetween the exercise program information stored in the memory and theadditional exercise program information received by the device and thefirst processor is configured to control a characteristic of the movableelement in accordance with selected exercise program information.
 2. Theexercise system according to claim 1, wherein the interface comprisesone or more interface elements arranged on a panel of the exerciseapparatus.
 3. The exercise system according to claim 2, wherein theinterface elements comprise a display.
 4. The exercise system accordingto claim 2, wherein the interface elements comprise a speaker.
 5. Theexercise system according to claim 2, wherein the interface elementscomprises one or more keys.
 6. The exercise system according to claim 1,wherein the device is further configured to receive mental activity datacommunicated over the communication network and the interface isconfigured to output the mental activity data.
 7. The exercise systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the interface comprises a displayconfigured to display the mental activity data.
 8. The exercise systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus is configured tocommunicate data to another computer.
 9. The exercise system accordingto claim 8, wherein the data communicated to the other remote computercomprises data relating to use of the exercise apparatus.
 10. Theexercise system according to claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatusfurther comprises a port configured for connection to an output device.11. The exercise system according to claim 10, wherein the port isconfigured for connection to an external display device.
 12. Theexercise system according to claim 11, wherein the selected exerciseprogram information generates displays for display on an externaldisplay device connected to the port.
 13. The exercise system accordingto claim 12, wherein the generated displays show a simulatedcompetition.
 14. The exercise system according to claim 13, wherein thesimulated competition is a race.
 15. The exercise system according toclaim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises a stationary bicycle.16. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the exerciseapparatus comprises a treadmill.
 17. The exercise system according toclaim 1, wherein the exercise apparatus comprises a weight machine. 18.The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the exercise apparatuscomprises a stepper.
 19. An exercise system comprising: an exerciseapparatus including a movable element, memory storing exercise programinformation, an interface, and a first processor; and a device includinga second processor and being coupled to the exercise apparatus and to acommunication network, the device being configured to receive additionalexercise program information contained in an addressed communicationwhich originates from a remote computer and which is communicated overthe communication network to which the device is coupled, the devicebeing further configured to output the additional exercise programinformation to the exercise apparatus, wherein the interface isconfigured to allow selection of exercise program information frombetween the exercise program information stored in the memory and theadditional exercise program information and the first processor isconfigured to control a characteristic of the movable element inaccordance with selected exercise program information.
 20. The exercisesystem according to claim 19, wherein the device is further configuredto receive other information and to output the other information to theexercise apparatus, the other information comprising information foroutput via the interface of the exercise apparatus.
 21. The exercisesystem according to claim 20, wherein the other information comprisesdisplay information for output on a display of the interface.